Any good factual books worth a read? (Millinocket: school, live)

[Elcarim]

I always buy the books I want to read, because I've been working on building a library for years now. Right now, my library is in cardboard boxes stacked halfway to the ceiling in my hall closet.

When I grow up my library will be about 12X14, with 10ft ceiliings, mahogany wainscoat on the bottom half of the wall and a rich wine red on the top half. HUGE leather wing chairs and ottomans and a beautiful wooden desk that takes 4 large men to move in. At least 2 walls will be lined with bookcases to the ceiling. Hard wood floors. And a floor to ceiling bay window overlooking the ocean.

One bookcase will be devoted to History & Geographical books, one to books written in and about Maine, one to the classics, one for my kids and one section has to house my self-improvement/diet/spiritual awareness books.

[corgis]

Originally Posted by Elcarim

I always buy the books I want to read, because I've been working on building a library for years now. Right now, my library is in cardboard boxes stacked halfway to the ceiling in my hall closet.

When I grow up my library will be about 12X14, with 10ft ceiliings, mahogany wainscoat on the bottom half of the wall and a rich wine red on the top half. HUGE leather wing chairs and ottomans and a beautiful wooden desk that takes 4 large men to move in. At least 2 walls will be lined with bookcases to the ceiling. Hard wood floors. And a floor to ceiling bay window overlooking the ocean.

One bookcase will be devoted to History & Geographical books, one to books written in and about Maine, one to the classics, one for my kids and one section has to house my self-improvement/diet/spiritual awareness books.

That sounds so beautiful - my library is stacked up books in my foyer waiting for hubby to build me a bookcase around the large doorway to my living room. Betcha it's gonna be a long wait. I get tons of books at local library sales in the small towns up and down the coast all summer. Between that and local yard sales, I'm building up a fairly decent library. I have to really disicipline myself not to dive right in and start reading. These are for those long winter days and nights when we finally get to move up here. Just a little over 2 more years.

[Elcarim]

Originally Posted by corgis

That sounds so beautiful - my library is stacked up books in my foyer waiting for hubby to build me a bookcase around the large doorway to my living room. Betcha it's gonna be a long wait. I get tons of books at local library sales in the small towns up and down the coast all summer. Between that and local yard sales, I'm building up a fairly decent library. I have to really disicipline myself not to dive right in and start reading. These are for those long winter days and nights when we finally get to move up here. Just a little over 2 more years.

I've actually never thought of the library sales. Good idea! Our library does that a few times a year. I need to check with them for the next sale schedule. I'll be so glad when I have a proper place to display my collection. I'm sure not doing them any justice now!

[Zymer]

Originally Posted by Elcarim

When I grow up my library will be about 12X14, with 10ft ceiliings, mahogany wainscoat on the bottom half of the wall and a rich wine red on the top half. HUGE leather wing chairs and ottomans and a beautiful wooden desk that takes 4 large men to move in. At least 2 walls will be lined with bookcases to the ceiling. Hard wood floors. And a floor to ceiling bay window overlooking the ocean.

Hey! Get out of my head! Well, at least my big stone fireplace is still a secret...

[dmyankee]

Must read non-fiction...

The Lobster Gangs of Maine

The Beans of Egypt Maine

The big Little World of Doc Pritham

[Elcarim]

I'm about to order the newly updated version of Moving to Maine by Victoria Doudera. I've read the original one 4 times now. Ready for some updated info! Has anyone read it yet?

[treeluvr]

I'm ressurecting an old post because it inspired me to get some books about Maine. (Amazon.com used books). I was wondering if anyone else has read "The Maine Reader: the Downeast experience" That title is close not exact as I don't have it with me right now. It has some really interesting stories of Maine going back to the 1600's and some (that really liked) describing Maine life in the 1800's and early 1900's. Would recomend it to anyone who wants to soak in all things Maine and can't be there right now.

Also, read "The Beans of Egypt, Maine"--anyone else read that? What did you think?

[moughie]

I read all of Carolyn Chute's books- one depressing book after another.
Sadly true and an honest portrayl of some pockets of poverty - stricken and uneducated Maine.

Personally I prefer happier adn wittier books! Mollysmiles got me hooked on Sarah Graves and her mystery/detective type series. I also love the Winston Crisp mysteries written by David A. Crossman.

How about Sarah Orne Jewett- ever read her stuff?

Nice to find another lover of books on the forum

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Ameria Alone by Stein. All truth and all spooky.

[treeluvr]

Originally Posted by moughie

I read all of Carolyn Chute's books- one depressing book after another.
Sadly true and an honest portrayl of some pockets of poverty - stricken and uneducated Maine.

Personally I prefer happier adn wittier books! Mollysmiles got me hooked on Sarah Graves and her mystery/detective type series. I also love the Winston Crisp mysteries written by David A. Crossman.

How about Sarah Orne Jewett- ever read her stuff?

Nice to find another lover of books on the forum

When I started reading "The Beans of Egypt Maine", I didn't like it much--I thought it was a northeast version of "Tobacco Road" and maybe not as well done. However, I loved the character Roberta. An unmarried woman with lots and lots of babies hanging off her all the time. But the thing about Roberta was her resoursefulnes, and her simple kindness and generosity. That I loved.

In "The Maine Reader" book (about downeast life", there is a lovely story by Sarah Orne Jewett--describes the poverty of two older sisters and how they were taken care of by the town and their friends.--Now I have to fine her ?not sure of the title--"Land of the Pointed Firs"? I couldn't get into it when I first tried, think I will like it now.

Will have to check out Sarah Graves and David Crossman.